Hurtigruten Northbound Cruise - 7 days

Scandinavian Cruises, Start in Bergen

Cruise with Hurtigruten along the coast of Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes. Hurtigruten, the world’s most beautiful sea voyage, is a journey through history and maritime culture. The Northbound cruise is the "cultural" cruise, allowing more time in towns along the coast.

Available for cruises with start in Bergen between June 1 and August 31

Hurtigruten Cruise to Hjørundfjord = no time in Ålesund

Available for cruises with start in Bergen between September 1 and October 31

Optional Shore Excursions:

A Taste of Norway

Geiranger with Trollstigen Pass

Art Nouveau Walk of Ålesund

Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium & Mount Aksla

Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet & dinner onboard.

Accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 03: Cruise to Trondheim, Norway's first capital

Hurtigruten Cruise.

Attractions along the coast:

Trondheim

Stokksundet

Kjeungskjæret, Norway’s most charming lighthouse

6000 islands and skerries along this leg.

Optional Shore Excursions:

Nidaros Cathedral & Ringve Museum

Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

Munkolmen Island

Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet & dinner onboard.

Accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 04: Cruise across the Arctic Circle to Lofoten

Hurtigruten Cruise.

Attractions along the coast:

The Arctic Circle

Vestfjorden

Lofoten Wall (mountain chain)

Svolvær

Raftsundet (during the night)

Trollfjorden (from April, depending on ice/snow)

Optional Shore Excursions:

Svartisen Glacier

RIB boat safari, Saltstraumen

Lofoten Viking Feast

Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet & dinner onboard.

Accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 05: Cruise Vesterålen Islands to Tromsø

Hurtigruten Cruise.

Attractions along the coast:

Gibostad, historic trading post

Tromsø

Optional Shore Excursions:

Whale Watching (only sold onboard)

The Arctic Capital Tromsø

Dog Sledding, Tromsø

Scenery & Huskies, Tromsø

Polar History Walk, Tromsø

Kayaking, Tromsø

Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet & dinner onboard.

Accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 06: Cruise to Honningsvåg/Optional North Cape excursion

Hurtigruten Cruise.

Attractions along the coast:

The North Cape (only on shore excursion)

Fishing station

Sværholdtklubben, bird cliffs

Finnkjerka, mountain formation

Optional Shore Excursions:

The North Cape

Bird Watching Safari

A taste of Lapland

Snowmobile trip in Lapland

Sami Autumn

Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet & dinner onboard.

Accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 07: Cruise arrival in Kirkenes

Hurtigruten Cruise arrival in Kirkenes at 09:00 hrs.

Attractions along the coast:

Kirkenes, the turning point of the journey

Optional Shore Excursions:

The Russian Border

Riverboat to the Russian Border

Snowmobile Safari, Kirkenes

Kirkenes Snow Hotel

ATV/Quad-safari to the Russian Border

Husky Sledge Adventure

Arctic Bushcraft

Departure from Kirkenes according to your own itinerary.

Day 01: Bergen – evening cruise departure

Arrival in Bergen according to your own itinerary. Your journey with Hurtigruten begins in the evening from Bergen, heading north along the western coastline of Norway to Kirkenes in 6 nights/7 days. During the cruise you will experience everyday life along the coast, and the mix of tourists, local travelers and transported goods make this a unique experience. All meals are included for round trip passengers. During the cruise with Hurtigruten you can choose between a wide selection of optional shore excursions, which can be booked in advance or onboard the ship. Please see Add-ons for further information and prices.

Day 02: Cruise to Ålesund/Geirangerfjord or Hjørundfjord

Breakfast onboard Hurtigruten. Today you have the choice between exploring the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund or to follow Hurtigruten on a cruise along the well known Geirangerfjord/Hjørundfjord (the detour is possible on cruises starting from Bergen between May 31 and October 30). Ålesund was completely destroyed by a devastating town fire in 1904, and rebuilt again in the Art Nouveau style, making it a truly unique town in Europe. The town centre reveals a lively urban scene with pleasant restaurants and cafés, and the picturesque Brosundet canal with its fishing boats. Sights of interest are the Atlantic Sea-Park, one of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe and the Sunnmøre Museum, an open air museum with an impressive boat collection and more than 50 old houses in beautiful surroundings (entrances not included). The beauty of the town can be appreciated from Mount Aksla, with a breathtaking view of the town. If you take the detour to the Geirangerfjord (possible on departures from Bergen between June 1 and August 31) you will cruise along the Geirangerfjord, with its waterfalls and mountain farms situated high up on the mountainsides, in places you will be amazed that people and livestock could survive. The Geirangerfjord has been included on UNESCO's World Heritage list. On departures from Bergen between September 1 and October 31, the detour goes to the Hjørundfjord instead. Surrounded by the majestic Sunnmøre Alps with unpolished nature and steep rock walls, the Hjørundfjord is one of the most long-standing and stunning fjords in Norway. Evening departure from Ålesund. Dinner and accommodation onboard Hurtigruten.

Day 03: Cruise to Trondheim, Norway's first capital

Morning arrival in Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city. The city was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 BC, and occupies a special place in Norwegian culture and history. Trondheim was Norway’s first capital and continues to be the coronation city where Norway's Kings from Harald Hårfagre (10th century BC) to King Harald V (1991 -) have been crowned and blessed.

Day 04: Cruise across the Arctic Circle to Lofoten

Early in the morning you will cross the Arctic Circle and enter the Land of the Midnight Sun; where the sun never sets during the summer. During wintertime you will have the opportunity to experience the Northern Light. 3 ½ hour in Bodø before continuing across the Vestfjord to the Lofoten Islands. Lofoten stretches like a wall of mountains to the southwest in the sea. The archipelago consists of mountains and peaks, wide open ocean, sheltered inlets, stretches of seashore and large virgin areas. For centuries, catching cod and drying them has been a way of life and Lofoten’s largest industry. Two of the most recognizable sights are therefore the fishermen’s shacks and the Stockfish which is cod that has been hung to dry on a wooden frame.

Day 05: Cruise Vesterålen Islands to Tromsø

Morning at sea, before arriving in Tromsø at 14:30 hrs where you will have 4 hours at leisure. Tromsø is the world’s most northern university town and the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle. The city lies between the sharp craggy peaks of the Lyngen Alps, and combines wild scenery with urban life. Sights of interest are the Polar Museum, Northern Light Planetarium and Tromsø Museum.

Day 06: Cruise to Honningsvåg/Optional North Cape excursion

Morning at sea, you will arrive in Honningsvåg around noon. Excursion possibility to the North Cape Plateau where you can admire the panoramic view of the open wide expanse of the Arctic Ocean, and perhaps have the opportunity to see the Midnight Sun. During the excursion entrance to the North Cape Hall with viewing platform, souvenir shops, cinema, cafeteria and restaurant, is included.

Day 07: Cruise arrival in Kirkenes

While you sleep, the ship continues sailing east along the Varanger peninsula, past Båtsfjord and Vardø. At breakfast time, you arrive in Vadsø, the administrative centre of Finnmark. It was from here that the Arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Lincoln Ellsworth began their flights over the North Pole in the airship, Norge. Kirkenes is the last stop on the northbound journey with Hurtigruten. The town lies between two time lines, Helsinki and Moscow. Departure from Kirkenes according to your own itinerary.

Any Questions?

About Northern Lights

If you are outdoors one evening during wintertime you might catch a glimpse of some
flickering curtains of lights, apparently dancing across the dark sky. This is Northern Lights -
Nature's own firework.

Facts about Northern Lights:

The Northern Lights are particles that are hurled into space after storms on the sun’s
surface. They are attracted by the magnetic North Pole (and South Pole) and enter
the atmosphere in a ring-like zone around the poles.

The best places to see the Northern Lights are above the arctic circle, making
Northern Scandinavia ideal for Northern Lights observations.

The Northern Lights are visible between November and March when the sky is dark
and clear, depending on the Northern Lights activity.

The best chances of spotting the Northern Lights are away from the lights of the city
centres.

The greatest frequency is between 6 pm and 2 am.

Patience and dedication will pay off. The Northern Lights may be visible for a couple
of minutes or most of the evening.

Most of the Northern Lights outbursts visible in Northern Scandinavia are green, but
large outbursts can also include other colors.

Northern Lights observations are never guaranteed.

How to increase your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights:

Go on a Northern Lights visit to a dark place away from the city lights. Our Northern
Lights hosts provide a lavvo (traditional Saami tent) with an open fire, a hot drink and
a slice of cake while you are waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Participate in an evening activity like dog sledding, a sleigh ride, a trip with reindeer
and sled, snowshoeing or a cross-country skiing course. This way, you can enjoy a
fun winter activity whilst at the same time wait for the Northern Lights to appear.

When in Tromsø take bus 37 to Tromsø Museum and take a long stroll along Tromsø
Island’s dark western side. Use a couple of hours strolling to the bus terminal at
Giæverbukta, from where there are frequent departures to the city centre right up until
11:30pm.

Hire cross-country skis at Sportshuset in Tromsø. Go on a long ski trip in the floodlit
ski tracks above the city. Good exercise, fresh air, great views and maybe the
appearance of the Northern Lights as well. There are also good floodlit ski tracks
across the bridge in Tromsdalen.

Go on the popular excursion, departing Tromsø by bus at 4pm and arriving in
Skjervøy in time to return to Tromsø on the Costal Express Steamer (Hurtigruten).
The ship travels through utter darkness and has excellent viewing lounges, which
makes it possible to sit inside without missing out on the possibility to see the
Northern Lights. It is possible to check the weather forecast and book this tour at the
Visitors’ Centre right up until an hour before departure.

Booking and Payment Procedure

1) Reservations
All reservations will be on request; you will not receive an immediate online confirmation.

2) Confirmation of services
You will receive a confirmation by e-mail as soon as all services (hotels, trains etc.) included
in the selected package tour are confirmed. The confirmation will be sent to you between 24-
48 hours after the reservation has been made (Monday-Friday).

3) Payment
Information about payment procedures will be sent to you by e-mail simultaneously with the
confirmation of all services.
We offer the following methods of payment:

Secure online payment by credit card

By credit card through our office terminal (credit card details must be sent by fax)

Bank transfer

The following credit cards are accepted: VISA and MasterCard

4) Deposit
A deposit of EUR 100 per person is due within 10 days of receiving our confirmation. For package tours including Göta Canal and longer voyages with Hurtigruten, as well as for Escorted Coach Tours, Partly Escorted Tours and Winter Tours, a deposit of 10% of the total booking price is due within 10 days of receiving our confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable. By longer cruises with Hurtigruten we refer to cruises of 3 nights and more.

5) Additional add-ons
Once we have received your deposit you can book additional add-ons, including sightseeing,
city cards etc. Further information will be sent in a separate e-mail as soon as we have
received your deposit.
Should any of the additional add-ons be essential for your to commit to the reservation,
please kindly specify the required add-ons in the remarks field when submitting your
reservation (step 3 in the booking process). Examples of such add-ons may be dog-sledding,
overnight at ice hotel etc.

6) Final payment
Final payment is due 45 days prior to travel. For package tours including Hurtigruten and Göta Canal, as well as our Winter Tours, the final payment is due 65 days prior to travel.

7) Last minute bookings
Bookings made less than 45/65 days prior to travel must be paid in full as soon as you receive our written confirmation.

8) Failure to complete payment
Automatic cancellation of your booking will occur if payment has not been received by the
specified date.

9) Travel Documents
The travel documents will be sent to you by e-mail after we have received your final payment.
The documents will be sent no later than 2 weeks before the start of your tour.

Terms And Conditions

Booking conditions
All bookings, changes, alternations and cancellations must be made in writing.
All rates are quoted in euro (EUR) per person and include taxes and VAT. Authentic
Scandinavia guarantees no changes in the prices of confirmed tours. A detailed list of
all services included in the tour price will be specified under each tour (please see Price
Details). Any extra expenses incurred by the client during the tour, for example use of
telephone, hotel mini-bars, etc. must be paid directly by the client to the hotel or other
provider of such services, prior to departure.

Amendments to confirmed reservations
Changes to confirmed tours will incur a EUR 50 amendment fee. This fee will apply to each
amendment made for the tour.

Refunds and unused services
Travel arrangements cancelled or amended within 24 hours of your departure or once travel
has commenced will not qualify for any refunds, nor can services be substituted for
alternative arrangements. Unused services are non-refundable.

The date of the cancellation shall be when Authentic Scandinavia receives it in writing (our office hours are Monday-Friday 09:00 – 17:00 hrs, CET).

The following cancellation fees apply on Independent- and Escorted Tours:
Over 30 days prior to departure - Loss of full deposit
Between 30-15 days prior to departure - 50% of total payment
Between 14-0 days prior to departure - 100% of total payment

The following cancellation fees apply on tours including Hurtigruten & Göta Canal, and our Winter Tours:
Over 60 days prior to departure - Loss of full deposit
Between 60-42 days prior to departure - 30% of total payment
Between 41-28 days prior to departure - 60% of total payment
Between 27-0 days prior to departure - 100% of total payment

Passport, visas, customs, currency and health regulations
Every participant is responsible for providing his/her own travel documents (i.e. passport,
visa, vaccination certificates etc). We recommend a careful examination of the customs/duty
regulations and currency regulations for the respective destination(s). Please note that your
passport details are required for all bookings including cruises (overnight cruises, as well as
all cruises with Hurtigruten).

Travel insurance
Authentic Scandinavia recommends that each customer has adequate travel insurance, also
to include cancellation cover.

Authentic Scandinavia can not be held responsible for loss of luggage, or other personal
possessions, for personal injury, accident or illness. In the event of personal injury, accident
or illness, Authentic Scandinavia cannot be required to make any refunds should the tour be
partially cancelled or cancelled.

Cancellation by Authentic Scandinavia
Due to reasons of higher power and reasons beyond our control, Authentic Scandinavia
reserves the right to cancel the tour. Monies paid for services will be refunded, but Authentic
Scandinavia will not be liable for any further claims.

Liability by Authentic Scandinavia
Authentic Scandinavia has the obligation to choose all services carefully, and to prepare the
tour in the best way possible. In the unlikely event that services are not fully carried out due
to an error through Authentic Scandinavia, we reserve the right to provide equivalent
services in compensation. In this case, further damage claims will not be accepted.
Subject to this settlement, in case a breach of contract is committed the direct liability of
Authentic Scandinavia for immediate loss or injury to the client subsists, provided that the
breach was not caused by Force Majeure or the behavior of the client or a tour participant,
and that it is a question of the non-performance of a promised service or an alteration of
services which has less value than the service agreed upon in the original agreement. The
amount of this liability is restricted by the sum of the agreed cost of the tour.

Furthermore the providers of the various services are basically personally liable to the client,
in case the services are not being carried out in a satisfying way or to their full extent,
contrary to the expectations.

The liability of the individual coach, taxi, shipping and other transport companies contracted
by Authentic Scandinavia for the purpose of organizing a tour, depends on the appropriate
laws of the general conditions of business, on the contracts obligations and on common
usage.

Any arising complaints must be directed to Authentic Scandinavia immediately and confirmed
in writing. In case complaints cannot be solved on the spot, they have to be directed to
Authentic Scandinavia in writing within 30 days after the termination of the tour. Later claims
cannot be taken into consideration.

Activities
Some of our tour packages include activities such as dog sledding, and optional activities
such as glacier walks, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing and similar. In this relation Authentic
Scandinavia acts as an agent only for the activity providers, thus Authentic Scandinavia shall
not under any circumstances be held liable for injury, damage, loss or accident caused by
participation in or in connection with such activities.

Acceptance
By paying the deposit/final amount the customer has accepted the general terms and
conditions listed in this document, as a part of the agreement between Authentic Scandinavia
and the customer.

Privacy policy
We ask for personal information in the booking request section. This information is necessary
to ensure that we are able to make and confirm your booking. This information will not be
used for any other purpose, and will not be shared with any other outside parties except for
necessary information given to our suppliers involved in your reservation (hotels etc.).

The personal information will not be sold or shared, and your e-mail address will not be
forwarded to outside parties.

Customer Protection

Authentic Scandinavia is a member of the Norwegian Tour Guarantee fund (RGF), which guarantees for all package travel in Norway. Norwegian tour operators are required by law to be a member of RGF. Read more.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance when booking a tour, also to include cancellation cover. A travel insurance can be bought online, for example through WorldNomads. Read more